DAVY RUSSELL: Punchestown Sunday

SUNDAY

PUNCHESTOWN

1.30pm (P.P Hogan Memorial Cross Country)

Plenty of old friends line-up for this with the wonderful 14yo Ballyboker Bridge (pictured below) and 13yo Josies Orders back for more. I see that Derek O’Connor is booked to ride Shady Operator for Enda Bolger and that looks a significant booking. The eight-year-old hasn’t been with Enda long and is interesting stepping back up in trip for the first time.

2.00pm

Six runners for the listed novice hurdle with Thedevilscoachman looking the obvious one on form. He was impressive the last day, but is backing up pretty quickly and this is no easy assignment. Fire Attack has always threatened to win one of these and wears a hood for the first time, while Power Of Pause is respected despite the penalty.

4.30pm (Grand National Trial)

The pick of the weekend’s action looks to be the Grand National Trial where Gordon saddles five of the 18 runners (and one of the reserves!). Jack has chosen Roaring Bull and he is probably the pick of the bunch although Out Sam sneaks in off a lovely weight at the bottom. However, I like the look of Nick Lost for Henry and Rachael, one of six Gigginstown runners. He steps up in trip for the first time but has a lovely racing weight. The other to keep an eye out for is Fenno’s Storm for that man Simon Torrens. He switches back to fences from hurdles and can go well at a big price.

DAVY

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